Lava Horse Riding from Reykjavik: Worth It?

Expect a gentle trail ride on sure-footed Icelandic horses through moss-covered lava fields just outside the city. The horses are small, smooth-gaited (they do a nice tölt), and very calm with beginners. You'll spend about an hour in the saddle covering 5–7 km, seeing old volcanic rock formations and getting a sense of the 18th-century eruptions that shaped the landscape. The whole experience from pickup to drop-off takes roughly 2.5 hours. It's not dramatic mountain scenery but it's peaceful, slightly otherworldly, and genuinely different from anything you'll do in most countries.

Best time is May to September when the days are long and trails are snow-free. Summer (June–August) gives you the best chance of decent weather, though it can still be cold and windy. Expect to pay around $120–180 per person including transport from Reykjavik. Cheaper options exist but often mean larger groups and less time actually riding.

Pick a small-group tour if you can; it makes a big difference in how relaxed the ride feels. Skip the shortest 30–45 minute “taster” rides—they're mostly just circling a paddock near the stables and not worth the trip from town. Wear layers and bring a waterproof jacket; even in summer the wind can bite.